SCIENCE BRIGHT SPARKS SPEARHEAD BRIGHT SCIENCE FUTURE

Queensland’s top science students, teachers, schools and organisations were today presented with more than $143,000 in awards as part of the Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in Science and Science Education.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the awards aimed to foster the growth of science and science education as well as promote science as a viable and interesting career option.

“These awards are a great pat on the back for students, teachers, research institutions, universities, industry and businesses who have made outstanding and innovative contributions to science education in Queensland,” Mr Welford said.

“The awards are named in honour of leading Queensland scientist and Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty, and are about rewarding science high achievers and giving them an incentive to further their studies in science or strengthen their science education programs.

“The standard of projects this year was extremely high and recipients should be very proud of their achievements.

“Competition was particularly strong in the Outstanding Senior Science Student category with two additional awards being made due to the high quality of nominations.”

Mr Welford said the Peter Doherty Awards program was a key component of the State Government’s Science Education Strategy 2006-2009. It aims to build Queensland’s scientific base by increasing the number of students studying science and attracting skilled science teachers to the classroom.

“As the Smart State, it is important for us to continue to boost scientific literacy across Queensland,” Mr Welford said.

“Our Government is determined to encourage more young people to pursue careers in science as well as improve the quality of science education in our classrooms.

“An awards program like this is a great way of raising the profile of science education and nurturing tomorrow’s science leaders.”

A panel of working Queensland scientists and science educators selected the recipients.

Professor Doherty, together with his Swiss colleague Rolf Zinkernagel, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine in 1996 for discovering the nature of cellular immune defence. He was named Australian of the Year in 1997.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000

2007 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in Science and Science Education

Peter Doherty Outstanding Senior Science Student Award recipients
Liam Nolan, Marist College Ashgrove
Philip Chan, Brisbane State High School
Mikaela Shorter, Isis District State High School
Harry Jamieson, Isis District State High School
Katelin Haynes, West Moreton Anglican College
Sasha Laws-King, The Kooralbyn International School
Sujan Sivapalan, Brisbane Boys’ College
Julie Kayes, Emmaus College
Nicola Campbell, Caloundra State High School
Lana Shaw, Miami State High School
Alexander Rogan, Toowoomba Grammar School
Melissa Young, Mountain Creek State High School

Undergraduate Science Teacher Award recipients
John McKenzie, Central Queensland University Bundaberg Campus
Shontelle Lewis, Central Queensland University Bundaberg Campus
Natalie Schimpf, University of Queensland
Rebecca Taylor, Central Queensland University Bundaberg Campus
Shonel Messer, University of Queensland

Outstanding Primary and Middle Phase of Teachers of Science Award recipients
Emelie Gabbert, Gin Gin State High School
David Romagnolo, Woree State High School
Pauline Dunn, Toolooa State High School
Cheryl Capra, Albany Hills State School
Julia Whittaker, Holland Park State School
Karen Gosney, Kelvin Grove State College
Ross Bailey, Browns Plains State High School
Lee Reushle, Crows Nest State School
Megan Ganter, Fig Tree Pocket State School, Milton State School, University of Queensland
Megan McNamara, Chelona State Primary School

Teacher International Professional Development Award recipients
Alison Pound, Wavell State High School
Gary Turner, Maroochydore State High School
Shane Ross, Aviation High

Scientific Laboratory Assistant Professional Development Award recipients
Robyn Hohenhaus, Fairholme College
Maryanne Simpson, Woree State High School

Science Success Schools Award recipients
Milton State School - Lisa Morrison
Crows Nest State School - Lee Reushle
Mt Gravatt State High School - Brooke Overduin
Downlands Sacred Heart College - Barbara Weller
Mansfield State High School - Patricia Bairstow

Industry/Business/Research Institution Science Education Award recipients
Damien Kee, Domabotics
Christine Robertson, Enertrade

Outstanding Tertiary Science Education Institution Award recipient
Doreen Awabdy, representing the University of Queensland Schools Outreach, Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences, the University of Queensland